Secrets Fans Never Knew About Amber Marshall
From owning over 20 animals to maintaining her role on the same television series for over a decade, Amber Marshall is full of surprises. Born in 1988 in the small town of London, Ontario, Canada, Amber’s life has been anything but small. As a child, she showed an immediate interest in acting—and as soon as she could walk, she was reportedly riding horses. Amber has even said that the two things she loves most in life are acting and horses, passions that would later become the foundation of her career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Amber’s love for animals led her to work as a veterinarian’s assistant as a teenager. But while her devotion to animals was unwavering, she made sure to give her passion for acting the attention it deserved. She enrolled in the Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts, where her talent began to flourish from the age of 11.
In 2000, Amber made her first acting debut on-screen in a television series called Super Rupert. The following year, she landed roles in multiple projects, including Twice in a Lifetime, Dark Oracle, Doc, and The Christmas Shoes. These experiences prepared her for what would become the most defining role of her career: Elizabeth Smart in the movie The Elizabeth Smart Story.
This film, based on the true story of a Utah teenager’s kidnapping and rescue, earned Amber a nomination for a Young Artist Award. Although she didn’t win, the role established her as a serious actress and set the stage for her breakthrough role.
Amber’s Life-Changing Role in Heartland
In 2007, Amber landed her most iconic role: Amy Fleming in CBC’s long-running series Heartland. Based on Lauren Brooke’s 25-book series, Heartland follows Amy, a farm girl living on her family’s horse ranch in Hudson, Alberta. Over the years, the series has showcased Amy’s journey as she heals animals, navigates family dynamics, and falls in love with farmhand Ty Borden, played by Graham Wardle.
Amber and Graham’s on-screen romance spanned over 14 seasons, making it one of the longest-running relationships in Canadian television history. Fans were heartbroken when Ty’s character was written off, but Amber’s commitment to her role has kept the show’s spirit alive as it enters its 16th season.
Behind the Scenes of Amber’s Ranch Life
Off-screen, Amber’s life closely mirrors her character’s. She lives on a ranch in Calgary, Alberta, not far from Heartland’s filming location in High River. Amber shares her home with her husband, Shawn Turner, whom she met at a horse show in 2010. The couple married in 2013 in a Western-inspired wedding, complete with Amber riding a horse down the aisle.
Amber’s ranch is also home to more than 20 animals, including horses, ducks, cats, bunnies, cows, chickens, alpacas, and bulls. Caring for her animals keeps her busy, but Amber has said she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Giving Back to Fans and the Community
Amber’s dedication extends beyond her ranch and career. She has built a strong connection with her fans, regularly posting updates on social media and organizing events across Canada to meet them. She also uses her platform to give back, supporting various charities and donating proceeds from her merchandise sales.
Amber’s philanthropic spirit is reflected in her online store, where she sells Western-inspired jewelry and clothing featuring positive messages like “Be Kind” and “Stay Brave.” She even hosted a competition to find an illustrator for her children’s book Where’d Turkey Go?, offering a unique opportunity for fans to collaborate with her.
Amber’s Creative Endeavors
Amber’s creativity doesn’t stop at acting and philanthropy. She has launched a magazine with nearly 20 issues available and recently expanded into fashion design with her own clothing and jewelry lines. Her castmates have praised her entrepreneurial spirit, with Graham Wardle calling her efforts “inspiring.”
A Canadian Icon
Amber Marshall has successfully balanced her career, passions, and personal life while remaining a beacon of positivity for her fans. Whether she’s acting, running her ranch, or giving back to her community, Amber embodies the resilience and generosity her fans admire.
From her early days in small-town Canada to her current life as a ranch owner, actress, and philanthropist, Amber Marshall continues to surprise and inspire. These are just a few of the secrets behind Canada’s beloved cowgirl.
